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Sylvania

I planted fall rainbow blend, big max, jack o'lantern and jack be little.

I live in NW Ohio and planted them on June 2nd. All I see is male flowers so far. Is there anything different I should be doing? Have I planted too many in a small space?

Pictures here - > https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-ZRZpsn

[Last edit: 07/15/24 7:06:22 AM]

7/15/2024 6:34:59 AM

Central NY

You might be running your nitrogen a little high. I would back off it, and depending on what you’ve fed so far, potentially a shot of phosphorus to spark it. That being said, there are usually more males in the early stages of flower production. Good look. Plants look LUSH.

7/15/2024 7:35:47 AM

Sylvania

I am not feeding at all. Should I?

7/15/2024 7:47:30 AM

Western NY

Plants look good, but a bit crowded. I wouldn't do anything about that at this point, just see what happens.

7/15/2024 8:06:06 AM

Sylvania

Thank you

7/15/2024 8:09:46 AM

Sylvania

I was worried after reading something that said maybe the female flowers weren't growing due to too much shade from the leaves.

Anything I can or should do as they branch out in order to not have them go into the yard? I believe I can gently redirect the branches.

7/15/2024 10:58:09 AM

Syracuse, NY

ToddG - The females are probably not affected by the sun not getting to them; In fact, they usually 'try' to hide as much as possible, lol. You've done about the best job, ever, at keeping within a confined space - there's a contest here about that, but it's for one plant/one pumpkin, etc.
Next year!
4 now, keep spiralin'!
Male flowers are an indication to pollinators that 'Here's a pumpkin plant and next week, a new flavor will be here, too!' Ahem. I, myself will be applying a LOW-NITROGEN/HIGH-PHOSPHORUS/LOW-POTASSIUM, water-soluble fertilizer as a mainstay during these flower-bearing weeks because I, too have a few plants with not enough female blossoms, but they are Atlantic Giants. I shoulda done that a week ago.
Yours are perhaps only a little behind, if at all!
Same policies, from a month earlier. eric g

7/16/2024 1:13:31 AM